The nominees in both parties would compete in a special election June 4 to select a successor to now-former U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, who stepped down a few weeks ago to become head of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

“I feel like I’d be a great candidate in the 8th Congressional District,” Hodges said. “I’ve lived here essentially all my life. I know a great deal about the problems of the people and what it takes. And I would approach this in the same manner as state representative. I would represent the interests of the people of my districts – not Steve Hodges’ interest.”

Hodges’ entry is something of a surprise, as he had told reporters in January that he wouldn’t seek the nomination. He said one of his concerns was raising the necessary money to run in the GOP-leaning district.

But on Thursday, she sent a statement to the Beacon stating that she decided against running for the seat this year.

"I am honored and humbled at the outpouring of support I have received from residents of the 8th District urging me to run for Congress," Black said. "However, when voters elected me to another term as state representative last November, it was with the expectation that I would serve a full two-year term. That is a commitment I fully intend to keep to the people of the 117th Legislative District. As a result, I will not be seeking the Democratic nomination for the upcoming special election in the 8th Congressional District."

Other Democrats seeking the seat besides Black, according to the Southeast Missourian, include 2012 nominee Jack Rushin, De Soto funeral home director Todd Mahn and former Blodgett Mayor Markel Fitchpatrick. End of update.

For his part, Hodges said that he considers Smith, 32-year-old attorney, "very bright." He edged out nearly a dozen other GOP candidates -- including Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, former state Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, and state Rep. Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff -- to capture the nomination last week.

Jason Smith

“I worked with him before and I have a lot of respect for him," Hodges said. "The pitch that I’m going to make is to sell myself and my knowledge of the area that I would hope to represent. I’m 64 years old… he’s 32. Now just because he’s young doesn’t mean he’s not capable. But, I’ve had business experience. I’ve had lots of experience. And that’s what life’s about – having experiences and learning from them.”

“I wouldn’t dare say ‘he’s a kid and he doesn’t deserve it.' That’s not true," he added. "But a lot times, I think a big source of knowledge is having patience and being able to listen."

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